George Coghill

George is quite the possibly the greatest football player in the short history of the Claymores. His on the field play and leadership qualities were an essential part of the 1996 Championship team, and he has been sorely missed ever since.

George however has gone on to greater things, much to the delight of Claymores fans. He has been a part of the last 2 Denver Broncos Super Bowl wins, collecting 2 more Championship rings to go alongside his World Bowl ring.

Life certainly has been a lot easier for opposing passers against the Claymores since George left. Consider this statistic. With George the Claymores are 14-15 in regular season play compared to 2-11 without. (George missed the season finale in Barcelona in 1997, because of the death of his mother). Opposition quarterbacks passed for 39 TD's and 39 INT's with George in the line-up, and 22 TD's and 8 INT's without.

George played collegially at Wake Forest, where he was an integral part of the Demon Deacons Independence Bowl win in 1992 - his senior year. His decision to go to Wake Forest was motivated by his desire to continue playing baseball (his first love) and basketball. However many questioned his decision to play at a smaller football program, when the team only won a total of 6 games his first 3 years there. However by the end of his senior season, George was an All-American and a bowl game champion. As well as his coverage and hitting skills, he was also a great punt returner in college, leaving Wake Forest as their all-time record punt returner.

Despite his fine senior year, George was passed over in the 1993 draft, and eventually signed on with the New Orleans Saints as a free agent. His first football experience overseas was not a happy one. While playing in the American Bowl in Tokyo against the Eagles, he tore a ligament in his knee and his rookie year was over. It also appeared his NFL dreams might be over also.

That's when the revamped World League came to his rescue in 1995 and the rest is history. George was allocated to Scotland, and would go on to lead the team in tackles in every year he played (1995-97), with the highlight of course being World Bowl 96. #34 was a fan favourite at Murrayfield known for his leadership, hard hitting and big play ability. He was named All-World in both 1996 and 1997 for his stellar defensive play.

After the 1997 NFLE season George was signed by the Denver Broncos, and joined them in time for the start of their training camp. However he found himself entrenched as the ninth safety on their depth charts. But George was undeterred. After having a good camp, and playing well in preseason, he was then signed to the Broncos practice squad where he remained all year - collecting a Super Bowl ring along the way, to become only the third player at that time to achieve the "ring double". But better was to come in 1998 ...

George as a Bronco

George would see live action in 9 regular season games down the stretch of the Broncos repeat season. He recorded a career high 4 tackles Monday Night in Kansas, and then followed that up with his first NFL interception (for 20 yards) off the less than stellar Craig Whelihan of the Chargers. He even started returning punts again (3 for 20) as back up to Darien Gordon. He saved his best for the Super Bowl however, making the opening tackle on the kick-off (as he did in World Bowl 96) and sealing the win by forcing a fumble. This time he had earned his Super Bowl ring.

The future looks bright for George, with Denver having so much confidence in him that they released long time fan favourite Steve Atwater. With a big 1999, who knows what George can attain. No Claymore has ever been named to the Pro Bowl - if anybody has a chance it's him. We wish him well.

• Super Bowl XXXIII : George makes the opening tackle on the kickoff, and seals the 34-19 Denver win by stripping the ball from Jamal Anderson.
• 98 Season Week 16 at Miami : OK, George was involved in the 56 yard touchdown pass to Lamar Thomas play that turned the game around, which Miami won 31-21. But after the game, the Cheddarheads met up George who was more than willing to be cheddared. After that his fortunes turned around - he signed a five year contract and played big in the Super Bowl.
• World Bowl 96 - George strips the ball from Mario Bailey on the opening kickoff, which Markus Thomas picks up and rambles into the endzone for a stunning 7-0 lead.
• 96 Season Week 7 vs. Frankfurt: George earns MVP honours at Murrayfield in a 20-17 win. First he breaks a 10-10 tie by picking off Steve Pelleur and scoring from 32 yards out. Follows that up with an end zone pick off Brad Bretz to thwart a Galaxy scoring opportunity.
• 95 Season Week 5 vs. London. George scores the Claymores first ever points against the auld enemy. Cornerback Jocelyn Borgella picks off Brad Johnson's first pass of the 2nd half and lateral to George who rumbles in from 20 yards to give Scotland a 7-4 lead.
• 95 Season Week 3 at Frankfurt. George makes a record 13 tackles in helping the Claymores to the first win in franchise history 20-14.

George shows off our banner in Week 16!

Career Statistics

Year

Team

Tackles

Solo

Assists

Sacks

Pass Def.

Forced Fum.

S.T. Tackles

Blk. Kicks

97

Sco

60

48

12

0.0

5

0

3

1

96

Sco

61

58

3

1.5

9

1

3

0

95

Sco

58

57

1

0.0

5

0

4

0

Totals

179

163

16

1.5

19

3

10

1

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